Quote:
Originally Posted by Sduibek
I was trying to research the science behind this, but mostly I got preaching and/or weight loss pill sites, and diet plan (i.e. Atkins) sites.
I was reading the Atkins thread a second ago and couldn't help but wonder if there's any doctors (or just general knowledgable types) here that know the cost/benefit analysis of fasting. I'm thinking the ideal is to make sure to get plenty of water and juice, preferable something with more than just sugars (i.e. carrot juice), and some meat too, something low-carb low fat, like canned tuna (so your body doesn't eat your muscles )
Was wondering if this could become a longterm or scheduled (i.e. once a week, or once a month) sort of deal.
Many people say "fasting is horrible it kills you man!" but i was under the impression that many respected spiritual leaders of other countries fast regularly, so....
Yep. That's all. bye.
EDIT: Oh yknow i should probably mention that i'm on medication for Bipolar disorder, Seroquel Depakote Lexapro and Buspar. wodnering if any of those have interesting reactions with fasting.
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With bipolar disorder and the medications you are on you must consult your family doctor before even starting a diet. Any change in your diet my affect the absorbtion of drugs so do not take this lightly.
There is only one way to successfully lose weight and that is lifestyle change. Fasting is not a sustainable weight loss program as you will return to old habits after the fasting period.
Energy comes from three sources: fat, protein, and carbohydrate. Carbohydrate can be simply divided into complex and simple carbohydrates. The complex carbohydrates are used to store the simple carbohydrates which can then be released into the blood to maintain a constant glucose level. When you exercise the easiest energy substrate is glucose (simple carbohydrate) which is supplied from the glycogen (complex) store in the liver. When you next eat this store will be replenished and you will not lose weight. Next easiest to use is protein which comes from muscle then finally fat.
When looking to lose fat you need to allow the body the best chance of using fat stores. Starvation will result in preferential glucose and protein usage and will not result in fat loss. Aerobic exercise will burn much more fat than anaerobic exercise so bear this in mind when exercising. Also exercising in the morning will result in increasing the body's metabolism during the day and result in extra calories being consumed - sometimes called the afterburn effect.
The other way to lose weight is to eat a balanced diet but with reduced Calories. Limiting to 1500-1600 Calories a day will result in weight loss. To do this you need to avoid simple carbohydrates as these will give you a rush and result in you becoming hungry quickly after. You need to eat mainly complex carbohydrates and protein, with little fat. Make sure you get enought vitamins and essential minerals too. This means things like wholemeal bread, fruit, and pasta are in, whereas white bread, salad sauces, etc. are out. Look at the backs of packets for nutrition advice.
Think that's as much as I know except this is what happens if you starve:
First 48 hours - consume all the liver's glycogen store
Next 2 weeks - mainly protein consumption, broken down in the liver
After that - mixture of protein and fat metabolism, but person becomes very unwell and lethargic